Sampdoria have confirmed the departures of coach Ciro Ferrara and sporting director Pasquale Sensibile in a statement on their official website.

Former Palermo coach Delio Rossi has been named as the man to take over from Ferrara, who was appointed in July but has been sacked following Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Catania, Sampdoria's ninth defeat of the season.

The defeat left them just two points above the relegation zone despite having enjoyed an impressive start to the season, recording three wins and two draws.

Carlo Osti has been named as the replacement for Sensibile, while Rossi - who was sacked by Fiorentina last season for fighting with Adem Ljajic during a match - will make his debut against Lazio, one of his former clubs, on Saturday.